Green Homes News

I understand SHGC is about blocking penetration of sunlight into an interior, and thereby reducing solar heat gain (SHG). But if a window is shaded, so that direct light is…

Hi all, Are there any drawings, photos, or guides for how to make penetrations in preexisting corrugated siding that is attached directly to the plywood sheating? I need to make some…

I've had lots of questions recently.  We are nearing the end of our framing.  I've been working with the framers on some of the details to make a continuous air…

My background is custom home construction/historic preservation and restoration. I had a pre-fab 2 story garage/studio erected (Amish company out of PA.)  on my property. 28 x 32 slab, 2…

Since we've had some fun talking about advanced dehumidifier technology recently, I thought people would interested in the four-refrigerant-coil design that Thermastor (parent company of Santa Fe) uses in their…

I know that none of you are structural engineers but has anyone used ICF taper top forms before? Are they designed to carry the same loads and the center core…

I was given some hemp panels which are 3/4" thick with a claimed R value of 2.4. I'd like to use it on the inside of my exterior walls to…

We’re in the process of renovating (full gut) 20 historic masonry row homes.  The goal is to prove that energy efficiency can be a priority even while working on homes…

Does anyone have a recommendation for a source of stock home plans that generally follow PGH principles?

Sourcing Sustainably Produced Plywood

Location: Pierce Hall, 100F, 29 Oxford Street, Cambridge

Wildland fires are among the largest sources of atmospheric emissions in the U.S. and their relative contribution to air pollution is expected to grow as emissions from other sectors decrease. In the Southeastern U.S., prescribed fire is used extensively to reduce fuel loads and mitigate the risk of hazardous wildfire. However, the Southeast also includes one of the largest wildland-urban interfaces in the country with millions of residents living near fire‐prone areas.... Read more about Wildland fire smoke in the Southeastern United States: Impacted populations, land management concerns, and climate-driven changes

I am building a place that has large open concept with high 4:12 sloping ceiling.  We will be installing a ceiling fan only to move air around the space as…

Does anybody have personal experience with using AAC block as a slab edge insulation? Is the block too porous to use in a below grade condition like that, even though…

A builder illuminates the testing standards and methods of a reptued windows and doors manufacturer

I have a story and a half bungalow in Chicago (zone 5a) and have a partially finished attic space on the second floor. The 2x6 roof rafters are lacking insulation…

Hello, we are mostly through with framing, and had a realization that we don't have a good vent path to the ridge cap.  Our roof is carried by a girder…